Living Well in a Down Economy For Dummies by Tracy Barr

Author:Tracy Barr
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2010-11-26T17:14:37.015000+00:00

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Save on Baby Food

Frugal hardly seems like a word to use in the same sentence as “baby food,” which can really take a bite out of the ol’ budget. But buying the expensive prepackaged baby foods isn’t the only way to feed baby. You have numerous less expensive (and more healthful) options: ߜ Breastfeed: The least expensive baby food available is the mother’s milk: it’s free. If you can breastfeed your little one, you save a bundle compared to

buying formula, and you’re also providing your baby with the best possible nutrition. Even if you’re working full time outside the home, breastfeeding is still an option. For breastfeeding tips, contact a local breastfeeding organization such as La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.org), or ask your local hospital or doctor’s office to recommend a certified lactation consultant.

ߜ Process your own baby food: Serve your baby tiny servings — well-processed in the blender or food processor first — of most anything the family is already eating: potatoes, carrots, peas, or even homemade chicken soup. Take care to leave out

spices and any additives in baby’s portion.

Prepare a large batch of baby food at one time so you don’t need to do it at every meal. For example, cook and puree a big bunch of carrots, freeze the 11_401170-ch04.qxp 7/24/08 12:36 AM Page 175

Save on Baby Food 175

puree in ice cube trays, pop out the frozen food cubes, and place in labeled zip-top freezer bags.

When your baby’s ready to eat, just take out a frozen carrot cube, thaw it, warm slightly, and dinner is served.

ߜ If you buy premade baby food, buy the largest jars available. The little bitty jars may be meal-sized for baby’s tiny appetite, but they’re expensive too.

When you open a large jar, spoon out a small portion onto a plate or bowl, and then cover the jar and refrigerate it. The large jar of food lasts for about two meals this way, rather than just one.

ߜ Dilute regular juice to give to baby: The special baby juice at the grocery store is really nothing more than diluted regular juice. Just buy regular 100-percent juice in frozen concentrate form (with no additives or sweeteners), but then add twice the amount of water (or more) recommended when

you’re reconstituting the juice.

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